Ukraine's president, Viktor Yushchenko, and his former prime minister, Yulija Tymoshenko, say they are willing to talk to each other about forming a new government.

Mr. Yushchenko said Wednesday he is willing to talk to everyone, including Ms. Tymoshenko, whom he fired earlier this month in response to infighting in the cabinet. The president says he spoke to her earlier this week. He also urged her to remember the ideals they both stood for during the Orange Revolution, the popular movement that brought him to power earlier this year.

Earlier Wednesday, Ms. Tymoshenko said she wants to rejoin forces with the president.

Tuesday, Ukraine's parliament rejected Mr. Yushchenko's choice for a new prime minister. Nominee Yuri Yekhanurov fell just three votes short of the 226 needed for confirmation.